Black and White Birds in Colorado

18 Black and White Birds in Colorado (2023)

Colorado is home to a variety of black and white birds, each with its unique features and characteristics.

Some of the most common black and white birds in Colorado include the black-capped chickadee, the mountain chickadee, the white-breasted nuthatch, the red-breasted nuthatch, the downy woodpecker, the hairy woodpecker, the northern flicker, the black-billed magpie, the American crow, and the Clark’s nutcracker.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at each of these birds, discussing their appearance, habitat, diet, and behavior. We will also provide tips on how to identify these birds in the wild.

Black and White Birds in Colorado

  1. Black-billed Magpie
  2. Common Goldeneye
  3. Snow Bunting
  4. Black and White Warbler
  5. Bufflehead
  6. Bonaparte’s Gull
  7. Snowy Owl
  8. Downy Woodpecker
  9. Hairy Woodpecker
  10. Lark Bunting
  11. Black-capped Chickadee
  12. American Pelican
  13. Black-necked Stilt
  14. Western Grebe
  15. Barrow’s Goldeneye
  16. Northern Shrike
  17. White-throated Swift
  18. Common Merganser

1. Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed magpie
Image: Black-billed magpie

The Black-billed Magpie is a cool bird you can find in Colorado. It’s easy to spot because it’s mostly black and white. Black-billed Magpies are also the common black and white birds in Michigan.

These birds can grow up to 18 to 24 inches long, including their long tail. They live in different places like forests, cities, and fields. You might see them sitting on fences or trees.

Magpies are smart birds that eat lots of things like bugs, small animals, seeds, and even dead stuff.

They make all kinds of sounds to talk to each other. They like being with other magpies and doing fun tricks in the air.

In the spring, they build nests high up in trees and lay about 6 to 8 eggs. Magpies are not endangered, and they’re good at living around people.

But sometimes, they can be a bit of a bother if they get into your food. People like to watch and take pictures of these birds because they look cool and do interesting things.

So, if you’re in Colorado, keep an eye out for the Black-billed Magpie – it’s a pretty neat bird!

2. Common Goldeneye

Common Goldeneye
Image: Common Goldeneye

The Common Goldeneye is a fascinating waterbird that you can easily spot in Colorado. With its distinctive black-and-white appearance, it’s a standout among ducks.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado are particularly fond of Colorado’s lakes and rivers, especially during the winter months.

What they look like: Common Goldeneyes have white bodies and distinctive round black heads. They’re not very large, measuring about 17 to 21 inches in length.

Where they live: You’ll find these ducks in Colorado’s watery habitats, such as lakes and rivers. They’re skilled divers, adept at plunging underwater to find their food.

Diet: Common Goldeneyes have a varied diet that includes aquatic insects, small fish, and plants. They use their diving skills to search for their meals underwater.

Vocal ducks: These ducks are known for their distinctive calls, which sound a bit like they’re saying “whistler.” You might hear these calls while they’re in flight or hanging out on the water.

Winter guests: Common Goldeneyes often migrate to Colorado during the colder seasons, so keep an eye out for them in the wintertime.

Birdwatching delight: If you enjoy birdwatching, the Common Goldeneye is a captivating bird to observe. Their striking black and white coloring makes them easy to spot in the water, and they add a touch of charm to Colorado’s outdoor landscapes.

3. Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting
Image: Snow Bunting

The Snow Bunting is a charming winter visitor to Colorado, and spotting these birds can bring joy to your day.

These small Black and White Birds in Colorado are known for their snowy white feathers with black markings, and they arrive in Colorado when it gets cold, making our landscapes even more beautiful.

What they look like: Snow Buntings are easy to recognize. They are mostly white, like tiny snowflakes, with a black back, wings, and tail. They also have little black patches on their faces.

Where they hang out: During their winter stay, Snow Buntings love open fields, grassy places, and farms where they can find seeds and grains to munch on. They like wide-open spaces.

What they eat: These birds mostly eat seeds, especially from grass and weeds. You’ll often see them in groups, pecking around in fields and along roads.

Travelers: Snow Buntings are like snowbirds. They spend their summers way up in the Arctic and then fly down to Colorado and other parts of North America when it gets cold.

Talking quietly: Snow Buntings aren’t big talkers, but they do make soft chirping sounds, especially when they fly around or gather in groups.

Keeping them safe: Snow Buntings aren’t in danger, but it’s important to protect their homes in the Arctic so they can keep visiting us during winter.

Birdwatching tip: If you enjoy watching birds, keep an eye out for Snow Buntings in Colorado’s open fields and farms during the winter. Their black and white feathers stand out against the winter landscape, making them a delightful sight.

4. Black and White Warbler

Black and White Warbler
image: Black and White Warbler (pixabay)

The Black and White Warbler is a fascinating bird that sometimes passes through Colorado during its migration.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado have eye-catching black-and-white striped feathers, this warbler is a standout and a special treat for bird lovers.

What they look like: Black and White Warblers are easy to spot because of their zebra-like stripes. They wear a black coat with bold white stripes down their body, making them look like they’re dressed in a striped suit.

Migration Visitors: They don’t stick around Colorado all year, but you might see them during their migration, which happens in the spring and fall. They come and go as they travel to and from their breeding grounds.

Where they hang out: During migration, you can find Black and White Warblers in different places like woodlands, parks, and gardens. They’re agile when they’re hunting for insects on tree bark and branches.

What they eat: These warblers are bug lovers. They use their sharp beaks to search for insects hiding in tree bark and leaves.

Cool Behavior: Black and White Warblers are known for their unique way of hunting. They move like little acrobats, hopping along tree trunks and branches, kind of like nuthatches and creepers.

Talking softly: While they’re not big talkers, they do have a high-pitched, song-like call that you might hear when they’re hanging around during migration.

Staying safe: These warblers aren’t in danger, but they need the right stopover places during their long trips. So, protecting those stopover spots is important.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for Black and White Warblers during spring and fall migrations in Colorado’s wooded areas. Their standout stripes and unique hunting style make them a fun bird to spot.

5. Bufflehead

Bufflehead
Image: Bufflehead

The Bufflehead is a cute and small diving duck you can find in Colorado’s waters. These Black and White Birds in Colorado stand out with their sharp black-and-white colors and are a treat for bird lovers.

Bufflehead ducks in Michigan are little ducks that dive and are seen a lot in Michigan in winter.

How they look: Buffleheads are easy to spot. The males have a white body and a shiny black head, while females have a brownish head.

Where to find them: Look for Buffleheads in Colorado’s lakes, rivers, and ponds, especially in the wintertime. They are great divers and often go underwater to hunt for their food.

What they eat: Buffleheads mostly munch on underwater insects, small fish, and plants. Their diving skills help them catch their meals.

Talking quietly: They don’t sing much, but they make soft quacking sounds, especially when they’re swimming around together.

Visitors in winter: Buffleheads usually visit Colorado during the colder months. They breed up north and then head down to Colorado when it gets chilly.

Staying safe: Bufflehead ducks in Michigan are not in danger, but we should protect their homes so they have a good place to visit during their travels.

Birdwatching tip: If you like watching birds, keep an eye out for Buffleheads in Colorado’s lakes and rivers in the winter. Their cool black and white colors and their diving tricks make them a fun bird to watch.

6. Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte's Gull
Image: Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull is a lovely bird that sometimes comes to Colorado, adding a touch of elegance to our waterways and lakeshores.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado have their unique look and behavior, this gull is a treat for bird lovers.

Special Appearance: You can spot Bonaparte’s Gulls by their distinct appearance. In the breeding season, they wear a charcoal gray hood, a small black spot behind the eye, and a crisp white body. When they’re not breeding, their head turns white.

Where to find them: Look for these gulls around Colorado’s lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, especially during migration and in the winter.

What they eat: Bonaparte’s Gulls mainly dine on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They’re good at catching their food either from the water or by doing cool tricks in the air.

Travelers: In Colorado, you’ll usually see them during their migrations. They nest up north and then fly south for the winter, with a little stop in Colorado on the way.

Quiet talkers: They aren’t known for their songs, but they have soft and gentle calls that they use while flying or resting on the water.

Staying safe: Bonaparte’s Gulls are not in danger, but it’s important to protect the places they stop during migration.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for Bonaparte’s Gulls around Colorado’s waters, especially during their migration. Their graceful flying and special looks make them a lovely addition to your birdwatching adventures.

7. Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl
image: Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl is an impressive bird that comes to Colorado during the winter. It’s known for its beautiful white feathers and striking look, making it a real treat for bird lovers.

The Snowy Owls are the most beautiful white birds in Michigan. Their white plumage looks amazing. If you are a bird lover or photographer you will love this bird without any doubt. 

How they look: Snowy Owls are easy to spot because they’re all snowy white. They have a round white face with dark markings.

Where to find them: Look for Snowy Owls in open fields, prairies, and farmlands in Colorado during the winter when they come down from the Arctic.

What they eat: These owls mostly munch on small mammals like voles and lemmings. They’re great hunters and use their sharp eyes to spot their prey.

Winter guests: Snowy Owls are like winter tourists in Colorado. They have their babies up north in the Arctic, and then they fly down to Colorado and other northern places when it gets cold. You can also see Snowy Owl as white birds in Florida.

Talkative or quiet: Snowy Owls usually stay quiet, but during the breeding season, they might make soft hooting or barking sounds.

Keeping them safe: Snowy Owls aren’t endangered, but we should protect their homes in the Arctic to make sure they have a good place to raise their chicks.

Birdwatching tip: If you love watching birds, look for Snowy Owls in Colorado’s open areas during the winter. Their majestic beauty and unique presence make them a sought-after sighting for bird enthusiasts.

8. Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker
Image: Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a charming and familiar bird often seen in Colorado, especially in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado are recognizable by their small size and distinct black-and-white markings, this woodpecker is a beloved visitor for bird enthusiasts.

What they look like: Downy Woodpeckers are small, measuring about 6 to 7 inches long. They have classic black-and-white patterns, and males have a tiny red patch at the back of their heads.

Where to find them: You can spot these woodpeckers in woodlands, parks, and even your backyard if you have the right trees.

What they eat: Downy Woodpeckers love insects, insect larvae, and spiders. Sometimes, they visit bird feeders for seeds and berries.

How they talk: While they’re not known for singing, they communicate with soft calls and sharp “pik” sounds. Listen for their distinct “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.

What they do: Downy Woodpeckers are great climbers. You’ll often see them hopping up and down tree trunks and branches, looking for bugs. They also drum on wood to talk to other woodpeckers and mark their territory.

Where they live: These woodpeckers nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm.

Staying safe: Downy Woodpeckers are doing okay and can handle living around people.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for Downy Woodpeckers in your yard or nearby woods. They like to visit bird feeders and add a touch of charm to Colorado’s bird scene.

9. Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker
Image: Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is a charismatic bird commonly found in Colorado’s woodlands and forests.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado are recognizable by their striking black-and-white plumage and distinctive behavior, this woodpecker adds a touch of charm to the state’s natural landscapes.

What they look like: Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds with black and white feathers. They have a white underside and distinctive black wings with white spots. Males and females look similar, but males typically have a small red patch on the back of their heads.

Where they hang out: These woodpeckers thrive in forested areas, including mountainous regions, wooded parks, and residential neighborhoods with mature trees.

What they eat: Hairy Woodpeckers are skilled insect hunters, using their strong bills to drill into tree bark and extract insects and larvae. They also enjoy berries, seeds, and nuts, sometimes visiting bird feeders.

Talking style: While they aren’t known for singing, they communicate through rhythmic drumming sounds when pecking at tree trunks. They also have soft calls for regular communication.

How they act: Hairy Woodpeckers are excellent climbers and often search for insects by drumming on tree trunks and branches. They make nests in tree cavities and may reuse old nesting sites.

Family life: They build their nests in tree cavities, laying eggs in spring. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.

Conservation: Hairy Woodpeckers are not endangered and adapt well to various forested habitats, including those near human settlements.

Birdwatching Tip: If you’re interested in birdwatching, explore Colorado’s woodlands and listen to the distinctive drumming sounds of Hairy Woodpeckers. They are often seen on tree trunks and provide an engaging sight for bird enthusiasts.

10. Lark Bunting

Lark Bunting
Image: Lark Bunting

The Lark Bunting is a charming and distinct bird that calls Colorado’s grasslands and prairies its home.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado are known for their striking black-and-white appearance and lovely songs, adding beauty to Colorado’s open spaces.

Looks: Lark Buntings are medium-sized birds. Breeding males are shiny black with white wings and belly. Non-breeding males and females are more brownish.

Habitat: You can find Lark Buntings in Colorado’s grassy plains and fields, especially during breeding season, mostly in the state’s eastern areas.

Diet: Lark Buntings mainly eat seeds, especially from grasses. During breeding, they also snack on insects and spiders to feed their babies.

Singing: They are known for their melodious songs, a mix of chirps and trills, a treat for birdwatchers and other buntings.

Behavior: They forage on the ground, hopping and running around to find food. During breeding, they do aerial displays to impress and find mates.

Homes: Lark Buntings nest on the ground, hidden among grass and shrubs. Moms care for eggs and chicks, while dads protect their territory and sing a lot.

Safety: Lark Buntings are not in danger, but their grassland homes are shrinking due to farming and development. Protecting these habitats is important.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, visit Colorado’s grasslands during the breeding season to enjoy the lovely songs and striking looks of Lark Buntings. Binoculars or a spotting scope will make your birdwatching even better.

11. Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee
Image: Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a beloved and sociable bird that calls Colorado’s woodlands and backyards home.

You can easily spot these Black and White Birds in Colorado by their black cap, cheerful calls, and friendly behavior, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

How they look: These birds are small with black caps on their heads, a white face, and a grayish-blue body. They have bright eyes and perky tails that make them stand out.

Where they live: Black-capped Chickadees hang out in Colorado’s woodlands, parks, and neighborhoods with big trees. They stick around all year, so you can see them in every season.

What they eat: Their diet includes insects, seeds, and berries. They love visiting bird feeders, especially when it’s cold and food is scarce.

Chit-chat: Black-capped Chickadees are known for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call. The intensity of their call can change depending on how threatened they feel. They’re also skilled mimics and can copy the sounds of other birds.

Activity: These little birds are curious and always on the move. You’ll often see them hopping around branches and even hanging upside down as they search for insects.

Nesting: They build their nests in tree cavities or birdhouses, sometimes reusing old nests. Both mom and dad take turns keeping the eggs warm and feeding the chicks.

Staying safe: Black-capped Chickadees aren’t in danger, and they’re good at living near people. Providing birdhouses and feeders can help them thrive.

Birdwatching tip: If you enjoy birdwatching, Black-capped Chickadees are a real treat. You can watch them at bird feeders, and they’re not shy around humans, so they’re easy to spot and enjoy.

12. American Pelican

American Pelican
Image: American Pelican

The American Pelican is a majestic and distinctive bird you might spot in Colorado, especially near big bodies of water.

These Black and White Birds in Colorado are easy to recognize due to their huge size and unique looks, making them an exciting sight for bird lovers.

How they look: American Pelicans are large birds with long bills and enormous wingspans. They wear white feathers with black wingtips when they’re breeding. Outside of the breeding season, they turn more grayish.

Where they stay: While they don’t live in Colorado all year, American Pelicans visit during migration and sometimes in the summer. They prefer places close to freshwater like lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

What they eat: These pelicans are amazing fishermen. They use their big bills and stretchy throat pouches to scoop up fish from the water. Fish are their main menu, but they’ll also snack on crustaceans and the occasional small bird.

Talking style: American Pelicans aren’t known for singing. They make grunts and hisses, mostly when they’re hanging out in nesting colonies.

What they do: They’re fantastic flyers, gracefully soaring over the water as they search for fish. They’re social birds, often gathering in groups, especially when they’re feeding.

Making homes: American Pelicans set up nesting colonies on islands or secluded spots. Their nests are made of sticks and plants, and they lay their eggs there. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and looking after the chicks.

Staying safe: American Pelicans aren’t endangered, but pollution and habitat damage in their watery homes can affect their numbers.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, watch for American Pelicans near Colorado’s lakes and rivers, especially during migration. Their massive size and graceful flight make them an unforgettable sight.

13. Black-necked Stilt

Black-necked Stilt
Image: Black-necked Stilt

The Black-necked Stilt is a striking and elegant bird that sometimes visits Colorado, especially in wetland areas and along the edges of shallow lakes.

You can easily spot these Black and White Birds in Colorado thanks to their incredibly long legs and distinct black-and-white feathers, making them a fascinating sight for birdwatchers.

Looks: Black-necked Stilts have impressively long, slender legs that make up a big part of their body. Their backs and wings are black, while their bellies are white. They get their name from the black stripe on their neck.

Where they live: You’ll typically find Black-necked Stilts in wetlands, shallow marshes, and near freshwater lakes and ponds. They mostly show up during their migration times.

What they eat: These stilts mainly dine on water bugs, small fish, and plants in the water. Their long legs and skinny beaks are perfect for catching food in shallow water.

Talking or not: While they don’t have fancy songs, they communicate with sharp calls and piping sounds, especially during their breeding season.

What they do: Black-necked Stilts are great at wading. You’ll often see them standing in shallow water while hunting for food. They can be a bit territorial during the breeding season.

Homes: They make their nests on the ground near water, usually in a shallow hole lined with plant stuff. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and taking care of the chicks.

Staying safe: Black-necked Stilts aren’t considered endangered, but their nesting areas can be disturbed and damaged.

Birdwatching tip: If you enjoy birdwatching, head to wetlands and the shores of shallow lakes in Colorado during migration periods to spot these elegant Black-necked Stilts. Their stunning appearance and unique behavior make for a memorable birdwatching experience.

14. Western Grebe

Western Grebe
Image: Western Grebe

The Western Grebe is a striking water bird commonly seen in Colorado, especially on its lakes and reservoirs.

You can easily spot these Black and White Birds in Colorado. Thanks to their long necks and eye-catching black-and-white feathers, they are a captivating sight for birdwatchers.

Looks: Western Grebes have long, slender necks and striking black-and-white feathers. During breeding, they develop distinctive black “ear” tufts and a bright red eye.

Where they live: You’ll typically find Western Grebes in freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, which are their favorite hangouts in Colorado.

What they eat: These grebes are fantastic divers and mainly dine on fish. They use their sharp bills to catch prey underwater, making them skilled hunters.

Talkative or not: While they aren’t known for singing, they communicate with soft coos and whistles, especially when they’re getting ready to breed.

What they do: Western Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, spending most of their time on the water. During the breeding season, they put on elaborate displays, including synchronized dances on the water.

Homes: They build floating nests right on the water’s surface, often in areas with tall plants. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and looking after the chicks.

Staying safe: Western Grebes aren’t considered endangered, but their breeding areas can be harmed by pollution and habitat damage.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, visit Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs to catch a glimpse of Western Grebes. Their graceful movements and striking appearance make them a memorable sight, especially during their courtship displays.

15. Barrow’s Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye
Image: Barrow’s Goldeneye

Barrow’s Goldeneye is a captivating waterfowl species often spotted in Colorado, especially during the winter.

You can recognize these Black and White Birds in Colorado by their stunning black-and-white feathers and unique behaviors, which add beauty to the state’s lakes and rivers.

Looks: Barrow’s Goldeneyes are medium-sized ducks with eye-catching black-and-white plumage. The males have glossy greenish-black heads with a distinct white crescent below their eyes.

Habitat: These goldeneyes prefer freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. In Colorado, they are more commonly seen in the winter months.

Diet: Their menu mostly includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are skilled divers, using their strong bills to find food underwater.

Sounds they make: Barrow’s Goldeneyes communicate with soft, low-pitched calls, especially during the breeding season.

What they do: They are excellent divers and can stay underwater for a while when hunting for food. During breeding, they perform courtship displays, like head bobbing and synchronized swimming.

Making homes: Barrow’s Goldeneyes typically nest in tree cavities close to water, often reusing old woodpecker nests. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

Staying safe: These ducks aren’t considered endangered, but they can be affected by habitat loss and water pollution.

Birdwatching tip: If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for Barrow’s Goldeneyes in Colorado’s lakes and rivers, especially during the winter. Their striking appearance and unique behaviors make them a delightful find for bird enthusiasts.

16. Northern Shrike

Northern Shrike
Image: Northern Shrike

The Northern Shrike is a fascinating bird of prey you might spot in Colorado, known for its unique looks and hunting abilities.

You can recognize it by its gray feathers and the black mask-like markings around its eyes. These shrikes are stealthy hunters in Colorado’s open areas.

Distinctive Looks: Northern Shrikes have compact bodies with gray feathers and a distinctive black mask-like pattern around their eyes. They’re relatively small and have a hooked bill that tells you they’re skilled hunters.

Where They Live: You’ll find Northern Shrikes in open places like grasslands, shrublands, and fields. They’re mostly seen during the winter in Colorado.

What They Eat: These shrikes are meat-eaters. They mainly feast on insects, small birds, and rodents. What’s unique is they sometimes impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire to save it for later.

How They Talk: They don’t have fancy songs, but they communicate with harsh, chattering calls, especially during the breeding season.

What They Do: Northern Shrikes are usually solitary and love perching on high spots like fence posts or trees to spot prey.

Nesting: They build their nests in trees or shrubs using twigs, grass, and feathers. They lay a small number of eggs, and both parents take turns keeping them warm and taking care of the chicks.

Staying Safe: Northern Shrikes aren’t endangered, but changes to their habitat and the use of pesticides can affect them.

Birdwatching Tip: If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for Northern Shrikes in Colorado’s open areas, especially during the winter. Their unique appearance and hunting behavior make them a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts.

17. White-throated Swift

White-throated Swift
Image: White-throated Swift

The White-throated Swift is a remarkable bird you can often spot in Colorado, known for its impressive aerial stunts and unique look. You’ll recognize it by its dark feathers and the distinctive white patch on its throat, making it an exciting sight for bird lovers.

Distinctive Looks: White-throated Swifts have dark, almost black feathers with white patches on their throats and bellies. They have long, pointed wings and short tails that help them zip through the air.

Favorite Spots: These swifts love rocky canyons, cliffs, and rugged areas in Colorado, where they build their nests and hang out.

What’s on the Menu: White-throated Swifts are insect lovers. They mainly dine on flying insects like flies, ants, and beetles, which they catch while zipping through the air.

How They Talk: They’re not known for singing, but they do high-pitched chattering calls, especially during their aerobatic flights.

Flying Pros: These swifts are expert fliers and can zoom through the air at incredible speeds. They’re famous for their swooping and diving flights as they chase and catch insects.

Building Homes: White-throated Swifts construct their nests on vertical cliffs and rock faces using twigs, grass, and feathers. Their nests can be quite daring to access, which helps keep them safe from predators.

Conservation: White-throated Swifts aren’t endangered, but their nesting spots can be affected by human activity.

Birdwatching Tip: If you’re into birdwatching, head to rocky canyons and cliffs in Colorado to watch the incredible aerial displays of White-throated Swifts. Their breathtaking flying skills are a must-see for bird enthusiasts.

18. Common Merganser

Common Merganser
Image: Common Merganser

The Common Merganser is a graceful and often-spotted waterfowl in Colorado, known for its unique appearance and love for the water. Also, you can see these redhead ducks in Michigan.

You can recognize them by their long, slender bodies and serrated bills, making them a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts.

Distinctive Looks: Common Mergansers have long bodies with eye-catching black-and-white feathers. Males sport green heads, while females have reddish-brown heads with a distinct crest. Their long, serrated bills are perfect for catching fish.

Favorite Spots: These mergansers love hanging out in Colorado’s freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, where they can find plenty of fish, their main food.

What’s on the Menu: Common Mergansers are fantastic fishermen. They dive below the water’s surface to chase and catch fish.

How They Talk: They’re not known for singing, but they communicate with soft, low calls, especially during the breeding season.

What They Do: These mergansers are excellent swimmers and divers. You’ll often see them in groups, especially during migration, performing synchronized swimming.

Building Homes: Common Mergansers usually make their nests in tree cavities near the water. They use wood chips, grass, and soft down feathers to create cozy nests. Both mom and dad take turns keeping the eggs warm and taking care of the chicks.

Staying Safe: They’re not endangered, but pollution and habitat changes can affect their populations.

Birdwatching Tip: If you enjoy birdwatching, head to Colorado’s lakes and rivers to spot Common Mergansers. Their striking appearance and graceful water antics make them a delightful find for bird enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Black and white birds are a fascinating and diverse group of birds that can be found all over Colorado. These birds play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds. If you are interested in learning more about black and white birds, I encourage you to do some further research. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information on these fascinating creatures.